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wmm 


m 


gspf-,.*»-r 


k^B    J  ; 


MSB-  • :  -^  w^-fe*«S;^ » >^r\  ^ 


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I 


0 


HTMJVS 

FOR  INFANT  MINDS. 


[No.  34.      pART  J 


\ 


\ 


O 


StoS»h^  the  grace,   °"*  P  Wa^ K*  a°nd  ^ 


;t^^^-- 


"^^T-lherielfer^ 
ijfPWChri.tircbS!|?Pda^ 

weoZ"1  aS  thou8an*  are, 
p  God  was  never  known 
'jgj t  to  praj  a  iwel e,spra' 

;^t  born  a  JittJe  slave, 
^°»"n  the  sun,        ' 
'* .l  were  but  in  the  grave 
"myJafaour  done  I  ' 

*  korn  without  a  home 
some  broken  shed         ' 
oa^,  taught  to  roam 
sai  nydailj  bread ' 


praise ; 
f-nd  all  the  pfe. »!  *, down  ,0  <«e! 

3 

CHILD. 

'  saw  (he  g!„r;0„s  . 


»  new-office.  '       B«*  when  his  shfoiW* 

Upc^  came  twinkling-  onfh 
Who  made  thVd»._-hJ,  £L°ne  b^0De> 
The  moon,  and  everj  tv>.     -  f 


oo. 


^els 


doming  to  Jesus. 

It  condescending  king, 

to  hear  when  children  sing, 

our  feeble  voices  rise, 
(re  humble  prayer  despise. 


MAMMA, 


i  us,  Lord,  from  every  sin 
ccan  see  and  feel  within  ; 
-ve  neither  feel  nor  see, 
r  all  is  known  to  thee.         in  ueaven  Deyona 

Library,  Univ.  ff 

X 

::  a 


'Twas  God,  my  child,  who  made  them 
By  his  almighty  hand  ;  [all, 

He  holds  them  that  they  do  not  fall, 
And  bids  them  move  or  stand ; 


/inu  Diaa  mem  move  or  stand ; 
That  glorious  God  who  lives  afar, 
In  heaven  beyond  the  highest  star. 


North 


/~s 


ii 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


CHILD. 


How  very  great  that  God  must  be, 
Who  rolls  them  through  the  air  ! 

Too  high,  Mamma,  to  notice  me, 
Or  listen  to  my  prayer  ! 

1  fear  he  will  not  condescend 

To  be  a  little  infant's  friend. 

MAMMA. 

O  yes,  my  love  ;  for  though  he  made 
Those  wonders  in  the  sky, 

You  never  need  to  be  afraid 
He  should  neglect  your  cry  ; 

For,  humble  as  a  child  may  be, 

A  praying  child  he  loves  to  see. 

Behold  the  daisy  where  you  tread, 

That  useless  little  thing  ; 
Behold  the  insects  over-head, 

That  gambol  in  the  spring  ; 
His  goodness  bids  the  daisy  rise, 
And  every  insect's  wants  supplies  ; 

And  will  he  not  descend  to  make 

A  feeble  child  his  care  ? 
Yes !    Jesus  died  for  children's  sake, 

And  loves  the  youngest  prayer. 
God  made  the  stars  and  daisies  too, 
And  watches  over  them  and  you. 


For  a  child  who  has  been  very 
naughty. 
Lord,  I  confess  before  thy  face 

How  naughty  I  have  been  ; 
Look  down  from  heaven,  thv  4,ftfa*c"lb 
And  pardon  thte  say  '*  ' 

f'er,  Lcrd,Iprav, 
Forgive    — "  and  my  prjde  .      * ' 

jvr. eked  words  fdar'd  to' say 
-nd  wacked  thoughts  beside.7' 
cannot 


The  Saviour  answer'd  not  agr 
Nor  spoke  an  angry  word, 

To  all  the  scoffs  of  wicked  m 
Although  he  was  their  Lor     , 

And  who  am  I,  a  sinful  chih     / 
Such  angry  words  to  say 

Make  me  as  mild  as  he  w? 
Aid  take  my  pride  aw 

For  Jesus'  sake  forgive  \ 
And  change  this  stubl 

And  grant  me  grace,  an* 
To  act  a  better  part. 


"  Our  Father  who  art  ir  j*. 
Great  Cod,  and  wilt  thou  ?„ 

scend 
To  be  my  father, and  my  fri^ 
I,  a  poor  child,  and  thou  so  hi 
The  Lord  of  earth,  and  air,anrf 

Art  thou  ray  father  ?  CansUI^'e 
To  hear  my  poor  imperfect  r< 
Or  ?ioop  to  listen  to^he  prai* 
That  such  a  little  one  can  rl' 

Art  thou  my  father  ?  Let  m« 
A  meek,  obedient  child  to  tl 
And  trv,  in  word,  and  deed, 

thought, 
To  serve  and  please  thee  as:; 

Art  thou  my,(5-iher  '  I'll  dep 
Upon  the  care  ofsnVn'a" 
^    uty  wish  to  do,  a;j, 
Whateverseernethgood 
Art  thou  my  father  ?  T\ 

When  all  my  days  on  ea 
bend  down,  and  take  m, 
f0  be  ihY  better  child  at 


In 


lay  me  down  t 
quiet,  on  my  bed, 
Untjwith  shame,  |  have 


~>  rest 


•aughty  things  I  said 


confest 


tfow  that 


Early  will  fseek  thf>: 


my  jouroe*-' 


63] 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


My  road  so  little  trod, 
1*11  come  before  I  further  run, 
And  give  myself  to  God. 

And,  lest  I  should  be  ever  led 
Through  sinful  paths  to  stray, 

I  would  at  once  begin  to  tread 
In  wisdom's  pleasant  way. 

What  sorrows  may  my  steps  attesd, 

I  never  can  foretell ; 
But  if  the  Lord  will  be  my  friend, 

1  know  that  all  is  well. 

If  all  my  earthly  friends  should  die, 
And  leave  roe  mourning  here  ; 

Since  God  can  hear  the  orphan's  cry, 
O  what  have  I  to  fear  ? 

If  I  am  poor,  he  can  supply 
Who  has  my  table  spread  ; 
*ho  feeds  the  ravens  when  they  cry, 
And  fills  his  poor  with  bread. 

i  am  rich,  he'll  guard  my  heart, 
[Temptation  to  withstand  ; 
^d  make  me  willing  to  impart 
he  bounties  of  his  hand. 

Bl,  Lord,  whatever  grief  or  ill 

\or  me  may  be  in  store, 
M^e  me  submissive  to  tby  will, 
id  1  would  ask  no  more. 

Att^d  me  through  my  youthful  way, 

iatever  be  my  lot  ; 
AndWhen  l'ra  feeble,  old,  and  grey, 
O  V'jrd,  forsake  me  not. 

en  »ii!i,  as  seasons  hasten  by, 
-vil  for  heavenjr^^^^^' 

±    o<  "T^rever  there. 
B.>'         S- 


His  own  most  holy  Book  declares 
He  loves  good  little  children  still ; 

And  that  he  listens  to  their  prayers, 
Just  as  a  tender  father  will. 

He  loves  to  hear  an  infant  tongue 
7^^i  -ni/»  for  all  his  mercies  given  ; 
And  when  by  babes  his  praise  is  sung, 
Their  cheerful  songs  are  heard  in 
heaven. 

Come,  then,  dear  children,  trust  his 
word,  [guide; 

And  seek  him  for  your  friend  and 
Your  little  voices  will  be  beard,  - 

And  you  shall  never  be  deny'd. 


' 


Vnccuragtment  for  little  children. 
*d  is  so  good,  that  he  will  hear 

Vhenever  children  humbly  pray  ; 

"always  lends  a  gracious  ear 
what  the  youngest  child  can  say. 


The  Bible, 

This  is  a  precious  book,  indeed  ! 
Happy  the  child  that  loves  to  read  ! 
'Tis  God's  own  word,  which  he  has 

given 
To  show  our  souls  the  way  to  heaven  ! 

It  tells  us  how  the  world  was  made; 
And  how  good  men  the  Lord  obeyed; 
There  his  commands  are  written  too, 
To  teach  us  what  we  ought  to  do. 

It  bids  us  all  from  sin  to  fly, 
Because  our  souls  can  never  die  p 
It  points   to  heaven,    wh*"^  angels 

dwell  ;         _- — 
Ajw1 ~~<6  escape  from  hell. 

But,  what  is  more  than  all  beside, 
The  Bible  tells  us  Jesus  died  !— 
This  is  its  best,  its  chief  intent, 
To  lead  poor  sinners  to  repent. 

Be  thankful,   children,  that  you  may 
Read  this  good  Bible  every  day  ; 
'Tis  God's  own  word,  which  he  has 

given 
To  show  your  souls  the  way  to  heav*n, 


fyv^u/vx 


<H<4*5X  H. 


^ 


z 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


[64 


9 


Against  wandering  thoughts. 

When  daily  I  kneel  clown  to  pray, 

As  I  am  taught  to  do,  ^ 
God  does  not  care  for  what£os  />,', 

Unless  I  feel  it  too. 

Yet  foolish  thoughts  my  heart  beguile 
And  when  I  pray  or  sing, 

I'm  often  thinking,  all  the  while, 
About  some  other  thing. 

Some  idle  play,  or  childish  toy, 
Can  send  my  thoughts  abroad  ; 

Though  this  should  be  my  greatest 
To  love  amd  seek  the  Lord,    [joy, 

Oh  !  let  me  never,  never  dare 

To  act  the  trifle's  part  ; 
Or.think  that  God  will  hear  a  prayer 

That  comes  not  from  my  heart  ! 

l>ut  if  I  make  his  ways  my  choice, 
As  holy  children  do,  [voice, 

Then,  while  1  seek  him  with  iny 
My  heart  will  love  him  too. 

10 

u  A  contrite  heart,  O  God,  thou 
'  wilt  not  despise.''1 
Though  God  preserves  me  ev'ry 

And  feeds  me  day  by  day,     [hour, 
know  It  is  not  in  my  power 

His  goodntc  to  repay. 
The  poorest  child,  the  gic«^w.  *  .  _. 

Alike  must  humbly  own, 
No  worthy  present  they  can  bring 

To  offer  at  his  throne  ; 
For  we,  and  all  our  treasures  too, 

Are  his  who  reigns  above  ; 
Then  is  thereT*crthin%  I  can  go, 

To  prove  ray  grateful  love  . 
A  broken  heart  he'll  not  despise, 

For  'tis  his  chief  delight ; 
This  is  a  humble  sacrifice, 

Wei!  pleasing  in  his  sight. 


Though  treasures  brought  before  the 
Would  no  acceptance  find,  [throne 

He  kindly  condescends  to  own 
A  meek  and  lowly  mind. 

This  is  an  off'ring  we  may  bring, 
However  mean  our  store  ; 

The  poorest  child,  the  greatest  king, 
Can  give  him  nothing  more. 


11 


The  way  to  find  out  Pride. 

Pride,  ugly  pride,  sometimes  is 

seen ' 
By  haughty  looks,  and  lofty  mein  ; 
But  oft'ner  it  is  found,  that  pride 
Loves  deep  within  the  heart  to  hid* 
And,  while  the  looks  are  mild  and 

fair, 
It  sits  and  does  its  mischief  there. 

Now,  if  you  really  wish  to  find 
ff  pride  is  lurking  in  your  mind, 
Inquire  if  you  can  bear  a  slight, 
Or  patiently  give  up  your  right. 
Can  you  submissively  content 
To  take  reproof  and  punishment 
And  feel  no  angry  temper  start, 
In  any  corner  of  your  heart  ? 
Can  you  with  frankness  own  a  o^aie, 
And  promise  for  another  time  ? 
Or  say  you've  been  in  a  mislak3, 
Nor  try  some  poor  excuse  to  hake, 
But  freely  own  that  it* was  w»ng 
To  argue  for  your  side  so  Ion/ ; 

When'ytoJi£tion  can  Jou  Tr' 
Nor  flatly  contractlfet^JinoV^J 
But  wait,  or  modestly  explain, 
And  tell  your  reasons,  one  by  oi 
Nor  think  of  triumph,  when  you7v< 

done  ? 
Can  you  in  business,  or  in  play, 
Give  up  your  wishes,  or  your  way 
Or  do  a  thing  against  your  will, 
For  somebody  that's  younger  stiU 
And  never  try  to  overbear, 
Or  say  a  word  that  is  not  fair  f 


65] 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


Does  laughing  at  you,  in  a  joke, 
No  anger,  nor  revenge,  provoke  ; 
But  can  you  laugh  yourself,  and  be 
As  merry  as  the  company  ? 
Or  when  you  find  that  you  could  do 
To  them,  as  they  have  done  to  you, 
Can  you  keep  down  the  wicked  tho't, 
And  do  exactly  as  you  ought  f 
Put  all  these  questions  to  your  heart, 
And  make  it  act  an  honest  part ; 
And,  when  they've  each  been  fairly 

tried, 
I  think  you'll   own  that  you  have 

pride ; 
Some  one  will  suit  you,  as  you  go, 
And  force  your  heart  to  tell  you  so  ; 
But  if  they  all  should  be  denied, 
Then  you're  too  proud  to  own  your 

pride !  % 

12   ■    \ 

The  way  to  cure  pride. 

Now  I  suppose,  that  having  tried, 
And  found  the  secret  of  your  pride, 
You  wish  to  drive  it  from  your  heart, 
And  learn  to  act  an  humble  part. 

Well,  are  you  sorry  and  sincere? 
I'll  try  to  help  you  then,  my  dear. 

And  first,  the  best  and  surest  way, 
Is  to  kneel  down  at  once,  and  pray  ; 
The  lowly  Saviour,  will  attend, 
And  strengthen  you,  and  stand  your 

friend. 
Tell  him  the  mischief  that  you  find 
Forever  working  iu  your  mind  ; 
And  beg  his  pardon  for  the  past, 
And  strength  to  overcome  at  last. 
But,  then,  you  must  not  go  your  way, 
And  think  it  quite  enough  to  pray  ; 
That  is  but  doing  half  your  task; 
For  you  must  watch  as  well  as  ask. 
You  pray  for  strength,   and  that  is 

right  ;  . 

But,then,  it  must  be  strength  to  fight; 
For  where's  the  use  of  being  strong, 
Unless  you  conquer  what  is  wrong  ? 
Then  look  within ; — ask  every  tho't, 
1* 


If  it  be  humble  as  it  ought. 
Put  out  the  smallest  spark  of  pride 
The  very  moment  'tis  descried  ; 
And  do  not  stay  to  think  it  o'er, 
For  while  you   wait,  it  blazes  more. 
If  it  should  take  you  by  surprise, 
And  beg  you  just  to  let  it  rise, 
And  promise  not  to  keep  you  long, 
Say,  "  JVb ;  the  smallest  pride  is 

wrong. " 
And  when  there's  something  so  amiss, 
That  pride  says,  "  Take  offence  at 

this  ;" 
Then,  if  you  feel  at  all  inclin'd 
To  brood  upon  it  in  your  mind, 
And  think  revengeful  thoughts  within, 
And  wish  it  were  not  wrong  to  sin, 
O  stop  at  once  I — for  if  you  dare 
To  wish  for  sin,— that  sin  is  there  ! 
'Twill  then  be  best  to  go  and  pray- 
That  God  would  take  your  pride 

away; 
Qr  if  just  then  you  cannot  go," 
Pray  in  your  thoughts,  and  God  will 

know ; 
And  beg  his  mercy  to  impart 
That  best  of  gifts-— an  humble  heart. 
Remember,  too,  that  you  must  pray, 
And  watch,  and  labour,  every  day  ; 
Nor  think  it  wearisome  or  hard 
To  be  forever  on  your  guard  ; 
No  ;  every  morning  must  begin 
With  resolutions  not  to  sin; 
And  every  evening  recollect 
How  much  you've  fail'd  in  this  re- 
spect. 
Ask,  whether  such  a  guilty  heart 
Should  act  a  proud,  or  humble  part ; 
Or,  as  the  Saviour  was  so  mild, 
Inquire  if  pride  becomes  a  child  ; 
And,  when  all  other  means  are  tried, 
Be  humble,  that    you've   so  much 
pride. 

13 

A  Morning  Hymn. 
Mx  Father,  I  thank  thee  for  sleep^ 


Hymns  for  Infant  Mindf. 


[66 


For  quiet  and  peaceable  rest ; 
'I  thank  thee  for  stooping  to  keep 
An  infant  from  beiDg  distrest ; 
O  how  can  a  poor,  little  creature  re- 
pay 
Thy  fatherly  kindness  by  night  and 
by  day  ! 

My  voice  would  be  lisping  thy  praise, 
My  heart  would  repay  thee  with 
love  ; — 

0  teach  me  to  walk  in  thy  ways, 
And  fit  me  to  see  thee  above  *, 

For  Jesus  said,  "  Let  little  children 

come  nigh ;" 
And  he'll  not  despise  such  an  infant 

as  I. 

As  long  as  (hou  seest  it  right, 

That  here  upon  earth  1  should  stay, 

1  pray  thee  to  guard  me  by  night, 

And  help  me  to  serve  thee  by  day  ; 
That  when  all  the  days  of  my  life 

shall  have  passM,    '  * 

*  ma}'-  worship  thee  better,  in  heaven, 

at  last. 


14 


An  Evening  Hymn. 

Lord,  I  have  pass'd  another  day, 
And  come  to  thank  thee  for  thy  care ; 

Forgive  my  faults  in  work  and  play, 
And  listen  to  my  evening  prayer. 

Thy  favour  gives  me  daily  bread. 

And  friends,  who  all  my  wants  sup- 

And  safely  now  I  rest  my  head,  [ply; 

Preserv'd  and  guarded  by  thine  eye. 

Look  down  in  pity,  and  forgive 
Whate'eri've  said  or  done  amiss  ; 

And  help  me,  every  day  I  live, 
To  serve  thee  better  than  in  this. 

Now,  while  I  sleep,  be  pleas'd  to  take 
A  helpless  child  beneath  thy  eare  ; 

And  condescend,  for  Jesus'  sake, 
To  listen  to  my  evening  prayer. 


15 

For  a  child  Lhat  feels  it  has  a  wicked 

heart. 
What  is  there,  Lord,  a  child  can  do, 

Who  feels  with  guilt  opprest  ? 
There's  evil,  that  I  never  knew 

Before,  within  my  breast. 

My  thoughts  are  vain  ;    my  heart  is 
My  temper  apt  to  rise ;         [hard  ; 

And,  when  I  seem  upon  my  guard, 
It  takes  me  by  surprise. 

Whene'er  to  thy  commands  I  turn, 

I  find  I've  broken  them  ; 
And  in  thy  holy  Scriptures  learn, 

That  God  will  sin  condemn. 

And  yet,  if  I  begin  to  pray, 

And  lift  my  feeble  cry, 
Some  thought"  of  foil}',  or  of  play, 

Prevents  me  when  I  try. 
On  many  Sabbaths,  tho'  I've  heard 

Of  Jesus  and  of  heaven, 
I've  scarcely  listen'd  to  thy  word, 

Or  pray'd  to  be  forgiven  ! 

O  look  with  pity  in  thine  eye 

Upon  a  heart  so  hard  ! 
Thou  wilt  not  slight  a  feeble  cry, 

Or  show  it  no  regard. 

The  work  I  cannot  undertake 

I  leave  to  thee  alone  ; 
And  pray  thee,  for  thy  mercy's  sake, 

To  change  this  heart  of  stone. 

16 

Against  anger  and  impatience. 
When  for  some  little  insult  given, 

My  angry  passions  rise, 
I'll  think  how  Jesus  came  from  heav- 

And  bore  his  injuries.  [en, 

He  was  insulted  every  day, 

Though  all  his  words  were  kind  ; 

But  nothing  men  could  do  or  say 
Disturb'd  his  heavenly  mind. 


67] 


Hymns  for  Infant  Min 


Not  all  the  wicked  scoff3  he  heard 
Against  the  truths  he  taught, 

'Excited  one  reviling  word, 
Or  one  revengeful  thought. 

And  when  upon  the  cross  he  bled, 
With  alldris  foes  in  view  ; 

u  Father,  forgive  their  sins,"  he  said, 
"They  know  not  what  they  do." 

Dear  Jesus,  may  1  learn  of  thee 

My  temper  to  amend  ; 
But  speak  that  pardoning  word  for 

Whenever  I  offend.  [me, 

17 

"  Turn  off  mine  eyes  from  beholding 

vanity.1''     •* 
Lord,  hear  a  sinful  child  complain, 
Whose  little  heart  is  very  vain — 

And  folly  dwells  within  ; 
What  is  it — for  thine  eye  can  see — 
That  is  so  very  dear  to  me  ; 
That  steals  my  thoughts  away  from 

And  leads  me  into  sin?  [thee, 

Whatever  gives  me  most  delight, 
If  'tis  offensive  in  thy  sight, 

I  would  no  more  pursue  ; — 
Since  nothing  can  be  good  for  me, 
However  pleasant  it  may  be, 
That  is  displeasing,  Lord,  to  thee, 

May  I  dislike  it  too. 

When  I  attempt  to  read  or  pray, 
Some  folly  leads  my  heart  astray, 

And  sends  my  thoughts  abroad  ; — 
How  happy  are  the  saints  in  bliss, 
Who  love  no  sinful  world  like  this, 
But  all  their  joy  and  glory  is, 

To  serve  and  praise  the  Lord  ! 

These  trifling  pleasures  here  below — 
I  wonder  why  1  love  them  so  ; 

They  cannot  make  me  blest; 
O  that  to  love  my  God  might  be 
The  greatest  happiness  to  me  ! 
And  may  he  give  me  grace  to  see 

That  this  is  not  my  rest. 


18 

For  a  very  Utile  child. 

0  that  it  were  my  chief  delight 
To  do  the  things  I  ought !—     ' 

Then  let  me  try  with  ail  my  atight 
To  mind  what  [  am  taught. 

Wherever  I  am  told  to  go, 

Ml  cheerfuliy  obey  ; 
Nor  will  I  mind  it  much,  although 

I  leave  a  pretty  play. 

When  1  am  bid,  I'll  freely  bring 

Whatever  I  have  got ; 
And  never  touch  a  pretty  thing, 

If  mother  tells  me  not. 

When  she  permits  me,  I  may  tell 
About  my  lit  tie  toys  ;        , 

But  if  she's  busy,  or  unwell, 
I  mu3t  not  make  a  noise. 

And  when  I  learn  my  hymns  to  say, 
And  work,  and  read,  and  spell, 

1  will  not  think  about  my  play, 

But  try  and  do  it  well  ; 

For  God  looks  down  from  heav'n  on 
Our  actions  to  behold  ;  [high, 

And  he  is  pleas'd  when  children  try 
To  do  as  they  are  told. 

19 

On  attending  public  worship. 

When  to  the  house  of  God  we  go, 
To  hear  his  word  and  sing  Ids  love, 

We  ought  to  worship  him  below, 
Like  all  the  saints  in  heaven  above. 

They  stand  before  his  presence  now, 
And  praise  him  better  far  than  we, 
Who  only  at  hi3  footstool  bow, 
And  love  him,  though  we  cannot  see. 

But  God  is  present  every  where, 
And  watches  all  our  tho'ts  &  ways; 

He  sees  who  humbly  join  in  prayer, 
And  who  sincerely  sings  his  praise. 


Hymns  for  Injant  Minds. 


[68 


And  he  the  triflers,  too,  can  see, 
Who  only  seem  to  take  a  part ; 

They  move  the  lip,  &  bend  the  knee, 
But  do  not  seek  him  with  the  heart. 

O  may  we  never  trifle  so,  [en  ! 

Nor  lose  the  days  our  God  has  giv- 
But  learn,  by  Sabbaths  here  below, 

To' spend  eternity  in  heave.n. 

J        20 

A  child's  humble  confession  and 
prayer. 
A  sinner,  Lord,  behold  I  stand  ; 

In  thought,  and  word,  and  deed ! 
But  Jesus  sits  at  thy  right  hand, 

For  such  to  intercede. 

From  early  infancy,  I  know, 

A  rebel  I  have  been, 
And  daily  as  I  older  grow, 

I  fear  I  grow  in  sin  ; — 

But  God  can  change  this  evil  heart, 
And  give  a  holy  mind,  i 

And  his  own  heavenly  grace  impart, 
Which  those  who  seek  shall  find. 


And  never  see  you  any  more ; 

Tell  me,  Mamma,  if  this  is  true  ? 

I  did  not  know  it  was  before. 

MAMMA. 

>Tis  true,  my  love,  that  you  roust  die; 

The  God.  who  made  you,  says  you 
And  every  one  of  us  shall  lie,  [must ; 

Like  the  dear  baby,  in  the  dust. 

These  hands  and  feet,  and  busy  head, 
Shall  waste  and  crumble  quite  away ; 

But  though  your  body  shall  be  dead, 
There  is  a  part  which  can't  decay  ; 

That  which  now  thinks  within  your 

heart, 

And  made  you  ask  if  you  must  die; 

That  is  your.soul — the  better  part — 

Which  GSffhas  made  to  live  on  high. 

hose,  who  have  lov'd  him  here  be- 
low, 

And  pray'd  to  have  their  sins  for- 
given, 
And  done  his  holy  will,  shall  go, 

Like  happy  angels,  up  to  heaven. 

So,  while  their  bodies  moulder  here, 
Their  souls  with  God  himself  shall 
dwell ; 


«* 


To  heav'n  can  reach  the  softest  word 

A  child's  repenting  prayer-  But  a,  recollect  d 

For  tears  are  seen,  &  sighs  are  heard,       That  ^icked  ,e  ^  tQ  hel. 

And  thoughts  regarded,  there. 


Then  let  me  all  my  sins  confess, 
And  pardoning  grace  implore 

That  I  may  love  my  follies  less, 
And  love  my  Saviour  more. 

21 

About  dying. 


Tkll  me,  Mamma,  if  I  must  die, 
One  day,  as  little  baby  died  ; 

And  look  so  very  pale,  and  lie 

Down  in  the  pit-hole,  by  its  side  ? 

Shall  I  leave  dear  Papa  and  you, 


There  the  good  God  shall  never  smile, 
Nor  give  them  one  reviving  look  ; 

For  since  they  chose  to  be  90  vile, 
He  leaves  them  to  the  way  they 
took. 

22  •    •** 


,       "  Thou  God  seest  me" 
Among  the  deepest  shades  of  night, 
Can  there  be  one  who  sees  my  ways! 
Yes  ; — God  is  like  a  shining  light, 
That  turns  the  darkness  into  day. 

When  every  eye  around  me  sleeps, 
May  I  not  sin  without  control  ? 


69] 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


No  ;  for  a  constant  watch  he  keeps, 
On  every  thought  of  every  soul. 

If  I  could  find  some  cave  unknown, 
Where  human  feet  had  never  trod, 

Yet  there  I  could  not  be  alone  ; 
On  every  side  there  would  be  God. 

He  smiles  in  heaven ; — he  frowns  to 
hell ; 
He  fills  the  air,  the  earth,  the  sea  ; — 
I  must  within  his  presence  dwell ; 
I  cannot  from  his  anger  flee. — 

Yet  I  may  flee — he  shows  me  where  ; 

Tells  me  to  Jesus  Christ  to  fly ; 
And  while  he  sees  me  weeping  there, 

There's  only  mercy  in  his  eye. 

23 

To  a  little  sister,  on  her  birth  day. 

My  love,  I  meet  this  happy  day 
With  pleasure,  and  with  pain  ; 

I  wish  to  learn  your  future  way, 
But  know  the  wish  is  vain. 

A  journey  which  can  never  end, 
Y*ou  have  but  just  begun  ; 

And  hand  in  hand  with  many  a  friend 
This  little  way  have  run  ; 

But  friends,  my  love,  how  vain  are*. 

For  one  infected  breath         [they  ! 
May  snatch  the  tenderest  away, 

And  seal  them  up  in  death. 

Then  whither  should  my  darling  fly  ? 

In  whom  may  she  confide  ? — 
There  is  a  friend  above  the  sky, 

Who  waits  to  be  her  guide. 

His  eye  the  path  of  life  can  see, 

And  has  as  clear  a  view 
Of  hills  and  vallies  yet  to  be, 

As  what  are  past  to  you. 

He  knows  the  point,  the  very  spot, 
Where  each  of  us  3hall  fall  ; 

And  whose  shall  be  the  earliest  lot, 
And  whose  the  last  of  all. 


Dear  cherish'd  child  !  if  you  should 
To  travel  far  alone,  [have 

And  weep  by  turns  at  many  a  grave, 
Before  you  reach  your  own, 

May  he,  who  bade  you  weep,  be  nigh 
To  wipe  away  your  tears, 

And  point  you  to  a  world  on  high, 
Beyond  these  mournful  years  ! 

Yet,  if  it  be  his  holy  will, 

I  pray  that  hand  in  hand, 
We  all  may  travel  many  a  hill 

Of  this  the  pilgrim's  land  ; 

With  Zion's  shining  gate  in  view, 
Through  every  danger  rise  ; 

And  form  a  family  anew, 
Unbroken,  in  the  skies. 


24 


Si? 


makes  God  angry. 

How  kind,  in  all  his  works  and  ways, 

Must  our  Creator  be  ! 
I  learn  a  lesson  of  his  praise 

From  every  thing  I  see. 

Ten  thousand  craatures  by  his  hand 
Were  brought  to  life  at  first; 

His    skill     their    different     natures 
plann'd, 
And  made  them  from  the  dust ; 

He  condescends  to  do  them  good, 
And  pities-  when  they  cry  ; 

For  ail  their  wants  are  understood 
By  his  attentive  eye. 

And  can  so  kind  a  Father  frown  ? 

Will  he  who  stoops  to  care 
For  little  sparrows  falling  down, 

Despise  an  infant's  prayer  ? 

IN'o  ;  he  regards  the  feeblest  cry  ; 

'Tis  only  when  we  sin, 
He  puts  the  smile  of  mercy  by, 

And  lets  his  frown  begin. 

'Tis  ein  that  grieves  his  holy  mind, 
And  makes  his  anger  rise  ; 


1 


J 


10 


Hymns  for  infant  Minds. 


[70 


And  sinners,  old  or  young,  shall  find  "  Since  it  was  for  such  as  I 
No  favour  in  his  eyes  ;  "  Thou  didst  condescend  to  die." 


But  when  the  broken  spirit  burns, 
And  would  from  sin  depart, 

The  God  of  mercy  never  spurns 
That  broken,  humble  heart. 

25 

"Jesus  Christ  came  into  the  world  to 

save  sinners." 
Lo,  at  noon  His  sudden  night ! 

Darkness  covers  all  the  day  ! 
Rocks  are  rending  at  the  sight! — 

Children,  can  you  tell  me  why? 
What  can  all  these  Wonders  be  ? 
— Jesus  dies  at  Calvary ! 

Stretch'd  upon  the  cross,  behold 
How  his  tender  limbs  are  torn  ! 

For  a  royal  crown  of  gold, 

They  have  made  him  one  of  thorn  ! 

Cruel  hands,  that  dare  to  bind 

Thorns  upon  a  brow  so  kind! 

See  !  the  blood  is  falling  fast 
From  his  forehead  and  his  side  ! 

Listen  !  he  has  breathld  his  last ! 
"With  a  mighty  groan  he  died  ! — 

Children,  can  you  tell  rae  why 

Jesus  condescends  to  die? 

He,  who  was  a  king  above, 
Left  his  kingdom  for  a  grave, 

Out  of  pity  and  of  love, 

That  the  guilty  he  might  save  ! 

Down  to  this  sad  world  he  flew, 

For  such  little  ones  as  you  ! 

You  were  wretched,  weak,  and  vile; 

You  deserv'd  his  holy  frown  ; 
But  he  saw  you  with  a  smile, 

And,  to  save  you,  hasten'd  down. — 
Listen,  children  ; — this  is  why 
Jesus  condescends  to  die. 

Come  then,  children,  come  and  see 
Lift  your  little  hands  to  pray  ; 

tl  Blessed  Jesus,  pardon  me, 
41  Help  a  guilty  infant,"  say  ; 


26 


44  Jesus  said,  Suffer  little  children  to 
come  unto  me." 

As  infants  once  to  Christ  were  bro't, 
That  he  might  bless  them  there, 

So  now  we  little  children  ought 
To  seek  the  same  by  prayer. 

For  when  their  feeble  hands  were 
And  bent  each  infant  knee,  [spread, 

41  Forbid  them  not,"  the  Saviour  said, 
And  so  he  says  for  me. 

Though  now  he  is  not. here  below, 

But  on  his  heavenly  hill, 
To  him  may  little  children  go, 

And  seek  a  blessing  still. 

Well  pleas'd  that  little  flock  to  see, 
The  Saviour  kindly  smil'd  ; 

Ob,  then,  he  will  not  frown  on  me, 
Because  I  am  a  child  ; 

For  as  so  many  years  ago 
Poor  babes  his  pity  drew, 

I'm  sure  he  will  not  let  me  go 
Without  a  blessing  too. 

Then,  while  this  favour  to  implore, 
My  little  hands  are  spread, 

Do  thou  thy  sacred  blessing  pour, 
Dear  Jesus,  on  my  head. 

27 

Love  and  duty  to  parents. 

Mi  Father,  my  Mother,  I  know 
I  cannot  your  kindness  repay  ; 
But  1  hope,  that,  as  older  I  grow, 
I  shall  learn  your  commands  t'  obey. 

You  lov'd  me  before  I  could  tell 
Who  it  was  that  so  tenderly  smii'd' 

But  now  that  I  know  it  so  well, 
I  shquld'he  a  dutiful  child. 


11] 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


21 


I  am  sorry  that  ever  I  should  But,  lest  my  feeble  steps  should  slide, 
Be  naughty,  and  give  you  a  pain  ;       Or  wander  from  my  way, 

i  hope  I  shall  learn  to  be  good,  Lord,  condescend  to  be  my  guide, 
And  so  never  grieve  you  again.  And  I  shall  never  stray. 

But,  for  fear  that  I  ever  should  dare  Then  I  may  go  without  alarm, 
From  all  your  commands  to  depart,       ^nrj  trust  his  WOrd  of  old  ; — 

Whenever  I'm  saying  my  prayer,  44  q^e  lambs   he'll  gather   with  his 

Ml  ask  for  a  dutiful  heart.  u  £nd  lead  them  to  the  fold."  [arm, 


28 

TJie  day  of  life. 
The  morning  hours  of  cheerful  light, 

Of  all  the  day  are  best; 
But  as  they  speed  their  hasty  flight, 
If  every  hour  is  spent  aright, 
We  sweetly  sink  to  sleep  at  night, 

And  pleasant  is  our  rest. 

And  life  is  like  a  summer's  day, 

It  seems.so  quickly  past ; 
Youth  is  the  morning,  bright  and  gay, 
And  if 'tis  spent  in  wisdom's  way, 
We  meet  old  age  without  dismay, 

And  death  is  sweet  at  last. 

<^     29 

The  little  Pilgrim, 
There  ira  path  that  leads  to  God, 

All -others  go. -astray  ; 
Narrow',  but  pjeasaut,  is  the  road, 

And  Christians  love  the  wa^ 

It  leads-straight  through  this  world  of 
"*  And  dangers  must  be  past ;  •  [sin  I 
But  those  who  boldly  walk  therein 
Will  come  to  heaven  at  last. 

How  shall  an  infant  pilgrim  dare 
This  dangerous  path  to  tread  ! 

For  on  the  way  is  many  a  snare 
For  youthful  trav'lers  spread  ; 

While  the   broad  road,  where  thou- 
Lies  near,  and  opens  fair,  [sands  go, 
And  many  turn  aside,  I  know, 
To  walk  with  sinners  there. 


Thus  I  may  safely  venture  through, 
Beneath  my  shepherd's  care; 

And  keep  the  gate  of  heaven  in  view, 
Till  I  shall  enter  there. 


30 


An  evening  hymn  for  a  little  family. 

Now  condescend,  Almighty  King, 

To  bless  this  little  throng  ; 
And  kindly  listen,  while  we  sing 

Our  pleasant  evening  song. 

f 
We  come  to  own  the  Power  divine, 

That  watches  o'er  our  days  ; 
For  this.our  feeble  voices  join 

In  hymns  of  cheerful  praise. 

Before  the  sacred  footstool  see 
We  bend  in  humble  prayer, 

A  happy  little  family, 
To  ask  thy  tender  caje. 

May  we  in  safety  sleep  to-night, 

From  every  danger  free  ; 
Because  the  darkness  and  the  light 

Are  both  alike  to  thee. 

And  when  the  risins:  sun  displays 
His  cheerful  beams  abroad, 

Then  shall  our  morning  hymn  of  praise 
Declare  thy  goodness,  Lord. 

Brothers  and  sisters,  hand  in. hand, 

Our  lips  together  move  ; 
T^en  smile  upon  this  little  band, 

And  join  our  hearts  in  love. 


12 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


[72 


31 

A  child's  lamentation  for  the  death  of 

a  dear  mother. 
A  poor  afflicted  child,  I  kneel 

Before  my  heavenly  Father's  seat, 
To  tell  him  all  the  grief  I  feel. 

And  spread  my  sorrows  at  his  feet. 

Yet  I  must  weep  ;  I  cannot  stay     - 
These  tears,  that  trickle  while  I 
bend, 

Since  thou  art  pleas'd  to  take   away 
So  dear,  so  very  dear  a  friend. 

And  now  I  recollect  with  pain 

The  many  times  I  griev'd  her  sore  ; 

Oh  !  if  she  would  but  come  again, 
I  think  I'd  vex  her  so  no  more. 

How  1  would  watch  her  gentle  eye  ! 

'Twould  be  my  play  to  do  her  will ! 
And  she  should  never  have  to  sigh 

Again  for  my  behaving  ill ! 

But  since  she's  gone  so  far  away, 
And  cannot  profit  by  my  pains; 

Let  me  this  childlike  duty  pay 
To  that  dear  parent  who  remains ; 

Let  me  console  his  broken  heart, 
And  be  his  comfort,  by  my  care  ; 

Then  when  at  last  we  come  to  part, 
I  may  not  have  such  grief  to  bear, 

32 

For  Sabbath  evening. 

We'v"E  passed  another  Sabbath  day, 

And  heard  of  Jesus  and  of  heaven  ; 

We  thank  thee  for  thy  word,  and  pray 

That  this  day's  sins  may  be  forgiv'n. 

Forgive  our  inattention,  Lord, 

Our  looks  and  thoughts  that  went 
astray  ; 

Forgive  our  carelessness  abroad  ; 
At  home,  our  idleness  and  play. 

May  all  we  heard  and  understood 


Be  well  remember'd  thro1  the  week, 
And  help  to  make  us  wise  and  good, 
More  humble,  diligent  and  meek. 

Bless  our  good  minister,  we  pray, 
Who  loves  to  see  a  child  attend, 

And  let  us  honour  and  obey 

The  words  of  such  a  holy  friend. 

So  when  our  lives  are  fimsh'd  here, 
And  days  &  Sabbaths  shall  be  o'er, 

May  we  along  with  him  appear, 
To  serve  and  love  thee  evermore. 

33 

Time  and  eternity. 

How  long,  sometimes,  a  day  appears! 

And  weeks,  how  long  are  they  ! 
Months  move  as  slow  as  if  the  years 

Would  never  pass  away. 

It  seems  a  long,  long  time  ago, 
That  I  was  taught  to  read  ; 

And  since  1  was  a  babe,  I  know 
'Tis  very  long  indeed. 

But  even  years  are  passing  by, 
And  soon  must  aii  be  gone  ; 

For  day  by  day.  as  minutes  fly, 
Eternity  comes  on. 

Days,  months,  and  years,  must  have 
Eternity  has  none  ;  [an  end  ; 

'Twill  always  have  as  long  to  spend, 
As  when  it  first  begun  ! 

Great  God  !  an  infant  cannot  tell 
How  such  a  thing  can  be ; 

I  only  pray  that  I  may  dwell 
That  long,  long  time  with  thee. 

34 

Against  yielding  to  temptation. 
My  love,  you  have  met  with  a  trial 
to-day, 
Which  I  hop'd   to   have   seen  you 
oppose  ; 


13] 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


73 


But,  alas  !  in  a  moment  your  temper 
gave  way, 
And  the  pride  of  your  bosom  arose. 

I  saw  the  temptation,  and  trembled, 
for  fear 
Your  good  resolutions  should  fall ; 
And  soon,  by  your  eye,  and  your  col- 
our, my  dear, 
I  found  you  had  broken  them  all. 

O,  why  did  you  suffer  this  trouble- 
some sin 
To  rise  in  your  bosom  again? 
And  when  you  perceiv'd  it  already 
within, 
O  why  did  you  let  it  remain? 

As  soon  as  temptation  is  put  in  your 
way, 
And  passion  is  ready  to  start, 
'Tis  then  you  must  try  to  subdue  it, 
and  pray 
For  courage  to  bid  it  depart. 

But  now  you  can  only  with  sorrow 

implore, 
That  Jesus  would  pardon  your  sin  ; 
Would  help  you  to  watch  for  your 

enemy  more, 
And  put  a  new  temper  within. 

35 

The  day  of  judgment. 

How  dreadful,  Lord,  will  be  the  day, 

When  all  the  tribes  of  dead  shall 

And  those  who  dar'd  to  disobey  [rise; 

Be  dragg'd  before  thine  angry  eyes  ! 

The  wicked  child,  who  often  heard 
His  pious  parents  speak  of  thee, 

And  fled  from  every  serious  word, 
Shall  not  be  able  then  to  flee. 

No  ;  he  shall  see  them  burst  the  tomb, 
And  rise,  and  leave  him  trembling 

To  hear  his  everkatuig  doom,  [there, 
With  shame,  and  terror,  and  de- 
spair. 
No,  XXXIV.  2 


Whilst  they  appear  at  thy  right  hand, 
With  saints  and  angels  round  the 
throne  ; 

He,  a  poor  guilty  wretch,  shall  stand, 
And  bear  thy  dreadful  wrath  alone! 

No  parent,  then,  shall  bid  him  pray 
To  him,  who  now  the  sinner  hears; 

For  Christ  himself  shall  turn  away, 
And  show  no  pity  to  his  tears. 

Great  God  ;  I  tremble  at  the  tho't ; 

And  at  thy  feet  for  mercy  bend, 
That,  when  to  judgment  I  am  bro't, 

The  Judge  himself  may  be  my 
friend. 

36 


Conscience. 

When  a  foolish  thought  within 
Tries  to  take  us  in  a  snare, 

Conscience  tells  us  rt  It  is  sin," 
And  intreats  us  to  beware. 

If  in  something  we  transgress, 
And  are  tempted  to  deny, 

Conscience  says,  "Your  fault  confess; 
44  Do  not  dare  to  tell  a  lie." 

In  the  morning  when  we  rise, 
And  would  fain  omit  to  pray, 

44  Child,  consider,"  Conscience  cries; 
"  Should   not  God  be  sought  to- 
day?" 

When,  within  his  holy  walls, 
Far  abroad  our  thoughts  we  send  ; 

Conscience  often  loudly  calls, 
And  entreats  ua  to  attend. 

When  our  angry  passions  rise, 
Tempting  to  revenge  an  ill  ; 

44  Now  subdue  it,"  Conscience  cries; 
"  Do  command  your  temper  still." 

Thus,  without  our  will  or  choice, 
This  good  monitor  within, 

With  a  secret,  gentle  voice. 
Warns  us  to  beware  of  sin. 


14 


f[  Hymns  for  Infant  Minds, 


[74 


But  if  we  should  disregard, 

While  this  friendly  voice  would  call. 
Conscience  soon  will  grow  so  hard, 

That  it  will  not  speak  at  all. 

37 

u  The  Lord  hath  respect  unto  the 

lowly. if 

Where  is  the  high  and  lofty  One  ? 

His  dwelling  is  afar ; 
He  lives  beyond  the  blazing  sun, 

And  every  distant  star. 

But    God^   whom    thousand    worlds 
-  Descends  to  earthly  ground,  [obey, 
And  dwells  in  cottages  of  clay, 
If  there  his  saints  are  found. 

Is  not  the  heaven  of  heavens  his  own? 

Yes,  he  is  Lord  of  all ; 
And  there,  before  his  awful  throne, 

The  saints  and  angels  fall. 

But,  little  child,  with  joy  attend; 

For  if  you  love  him  too, 
This  mighty  God  will  condescend 

To  come  and  dwell  with  you. 

38 

For  children  at  a  Sunday  School.  , 
Lord,  may  a  few  poor  children  raise 
To  thee  a  hymn  of  humble  praise  ? 
'Tis  by  thy  great  compassion  we 
Are  taught  to  love  and  worship  thee. 

What  wicked  children  we  have  been! 
Alas  !  how  soon  we  learn'd  to  sin  ! 
But  now  we  learn  to  read  and  pray, 
And  not  to  break  the  Sabbath-day. 

How  condescending  God  must  be, 
To  love  such  little  ones  as  we  ! 
He  saw  our  sin  with  angry  frown, 
And  yet  he  look'd  with  pity  down. 

O  if  we  should  again  begin 

To  grieve  our  God,  and  turn  tc  sin, 


And  let  our  guilty  passions  loose, 
We  now  shall  be  without  excuse. 

Remember,  Lord,  we  are  but  dust, 
'Tis  to  thy  grace  alone  we  trust ; 
Do  thou  instruct  and  guide  us  still, 
That  we  may  ne'er  forget  thy  will. 


39 

A   minute. 
A  minute,  how  soon  it  is  flown  ! 

And  yet  how  important  it  is ! 
God  calls  every  moment  his  own, 

For  all  our  existence  is  his ; 
And  though  we  may  waste  them  in 
folly  and  play,  [away. 

He  notices  each  that  we  squander 

Why  should  we  a  minute  despise, 

Because  it  so  quickly  is  o;er  ? 
We  know  that  it  rapidly  flies, 

And  therefore  should  prize  it  the 

more  ; 

Another,  indeed,  may  appear  in  its 

stead,  [fled. 

But  that  precious  minute  forever  is 

'Tis  easy  to  squander  our  years 
In  idleness,  folly,  and  strife  ; 

But,  oh  !  no  repentance  or  tears 
Can  bring  back  one  moment  of  life; 

But  time,  if  well  spent,  and  improved 
as  it  goes,  [its  close. 

Will  render  lifepleasant,and  peaceful 

And  when  all  the  minutes  are  past, 
Which  God  for  our  portion  has 
giv'n, 
We  shall  cheerfully  welcome  the  last, 
If  it  safely  conduct  us  to  heaven. 
And  O  may  we  all  the  necessity  see, 
Not  knowing  how  near  our  last  min- 
ute may  be ! 

40 

A  child's  grave. 
What  is  this  little  grassy  mound, 


75] 


Hymns  for  Infant  Mind  s. 


15 


Where  pretty  daisies  bloom? 
What  13  there  lying  under  ground  ? — 
— It  is  an  infant's  tomb. 

Alas,  poor  baby,  did  it  die? 

How  dismal  that  must  be  ! 
To  bid  this  pretty  world  good-bye, 

Seems  very  sad  to  me. — 

— Silence,  my  child ;    for  could  we 
This  happy  baby's  voice,        [hear 

We  should  not  drop  another  tear, 
But  triumph  and  rejoice  ; 

"  O  do  not  ever  weep  for  me," 
The  happy  sou!  would  say  ;     [free 

u  i\or  grieve,  dear  child,  that   I   am 
u  From  that  poor  sleeping  clay. 

"Mourn  not  because  my  feeble  breath 
"  Was  stopp'd  as  soon  as  given  ; 

'•'  There's  nothing  terrible  in  death 
u  To  those  who  come  to  heaven. 

"  No  sin,  no  sorrow,  no  complaints, 
"  My  pleasures  here  destroy  ; 

lt  I  live  with  God  and  all  his,  saints, 
"  And  endless  is  our  joy. 

M  While,  with  the  spirits  of  the  just, 

•'  My  Saviour  I  adore, 
"  I  smile  upon  my  sleeping  dust, 

"  That  now  can  weep  no  more." 

41 


Yet  look  in  pity  on  my  pain  ; 

My  little  strength  restore  : 
And  grant  me  life  and  health  again, 

To  serve  thee  evermore. 


42 


A  hymn  of  praise  for  recovery. 

Lord,  thou  hast  heard  my  humble 
Fgr  all  my  pains  depart ;     [voice, 

O  grant  that  I  may  now  rejoice 
With  thankfulness  of  heart. 

Many  have  died  as  young  as  I, 
Though  nurs'd  with  equal  care; 

But  God  in  pity  heard  my  cry, 
And  has  been  pieas'd  to  spare. 

Let  me  improve  the  years  or  days, 
Thy  mercy  lends  me  here  ; 

And  show  ray  gratitude  and  praise, 
By  living  in  thy  fear. 

The  kindness  that  my  friends  have 

0  teach  me  to  repay,  [shown, 
By  double  kindness  of  my  own, 

In  every  future  day. 

And,  lest  I  need  thy  rod  again, 

1  pray  thee  to  impart, 

As  long  as  health  or  life  remain, 
A  thankful,  humhle  heart. 


A  child's  prayer  in  sickness. 

Since,  mighty  God,  my  health  and 
And  life  belong  to  thee,         [ease, 

I  might  not  murmur,  shouldst  thou 
To  take  them  all  from  me.  [please 

Thou  hast  a  right  to  use  thy  rod, 
Which  I  should  meekly  bear  ; 

And  yet  I  may  entreat,  that  God 
A  sinful  child  would  spare. 

I  own  the  comforts  Ljoossess, 
And  thank  thy  cj^P&f  me, 

While  thousands  languish  in  distress, 
And  pine  in  poverty. 


43 


For  a  very  Utile  child  in  sickness. 

Almighty  God,  I'm  very  ill, 
But  cure  me  if  it  be  thy  will ; 
For  thou  canst  take  away  my  pain, 
And  make  me  strong  and  well  again. 

Let  me  be  patient  every  day, 

And  mind  what  those  who  nurse  me 

say ; 
And  grant  that  all  I  have  to  take 
May  do  me  good  for  Jesus'  sake. 


M 


16 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds 


[76 


44 


For  a  very  little  child,  upongetting 

well. 
I  thank  the  Lord,  who  lives  on  high; 

He  heard  an  infant  pray, 
And  cur'd  me,  that  !  should  not  die, 
And  took  my  pains  away. 

O  let  me  thank  and  love  thee  too, 

As  long  as  I  shall  live  ; 
And  every  naughty  thing  1  do,  . 

I  pray  thee  to  forgive. 

45 

For  a  dying  child. 
My  heavenly  Father,  I  confess 

That  all  thy  ways  are  just, 
Although  I  faint  with  sore  distress, 

And  now  draw  near  the  dust. 

JJow  soon  my  health  and  strength  are 
And  life  is  nearly  past !  [.'led  ! 

O  smile  upon  my  dyin*  bed,  . 
And  \jfce  rae  to  the  last.  .  ' 

Once  dicHhe  blessed  Saviour  cry, 
"  Let  little  children  come  ;" 

On  thi3  kind  word  I  would  rely, 
Since  I  am  going  homa. 

O  take  this  guilty  soul  of  mine, 
That  now  will  soon  be  gone, 

And  wash  it  clean,  and  make  it  shine, 
With  heavenly  garments  on. 

Be  pleas'd  to  grant  me  easy  death, 

If  'tis  thy  holy  will, 
And  bid  the  struggles  of  my  breath 

And  all  my  pains  be  still. 

Now,  Lord,  in  heaven  hear  my 
Accept  my  dying  praise ;  [prayer; 

And  let  me  quickly  meet  thee  there, 
A  better  song  to  raise. 

46 

Praise  for  daily  mercies. 
Lord,  I  would  own  thy  tender  caje, 


And  all  thy  k>ve  to  me  ; 
The  food  I  eat,, the  clothes  I  wear, 
Are  all  besto/w'd  by  thee. 

'Tis  thou  presQrvest  me  from  death 

And  dangers#every  hour ; 
I  cannot  draw  .another  breath 

Unless  thou  give  me  power. 

Kind  angels  guard  rae-every  night,. 

As  round  my  bed  they  stay  ; 
Nor  am  1  absent  from  thy#  sight 

In  darkness,  or  by  day.*  • 

My  health,  arrcl  friends,  and  parents 
To  me  by  God  are  given  ;     [dear, 

I  have  not  any  blessing  here, 
But  what  is  sent  from  heaven. 

Such  goodness,  Lord,  and  constant 
A  child  can  ne'er  repay  ;       [care, 

But  may  it  be  my  daily  pr^wr 
To  love  thee  and  obey./ 

47 


The  example  of  Christ. 

Jesus  Christ,  my  Lord  and   Sa- 
viour, 

Once  became  a  child  like  me  ; 
O  that  in  my  whole  behaviour 

He  my  pattern  still  might  be  ! 

All  my  nature  is  unholy  ; 

Bride  and  passion  dwell  within  ; 
But  the  Lord  was  meek  and  lowly, 

And  was  never  known  to  sin. 

While  I'm  often  vainly  trying 
Some  new  pleasure  to  possess, 

He  was  always  self-denying, 
Patient  in,  his  worst  distress. 

Lord,  assist  a  feeble  creature  ; 

Guide  me  by  thy  word  of  truth  ; 
Condescend  to  be  my  teacher 

Thio'  my  chtkffcpod  and  my  youth. 

Often  I  shall  be  forgetful 
Of  the  lessens  thou  hast  taught, 


77] 


ns  for  Infypt  Mind*. 


17 


Idle,  passionate,  and"  fretful, 
Or  indulging  foolish  thought. 

Then  permit  me  not  to  harden 
In  my  sin  and  he  content ; 

But  bestow  a  gracious  pardon, 
And  assist  me  to  repent. 

48 

Summer  and  Winter. 

When  sweet  summer  dowers  appear, 
We  wish  that  they  always  would 
last ; 
But  winter  must  shortly  be  here, 

To  sweep  them  away  with  his  blast; 
Spring,  summer,  and  autumn  still  has- 
ten away  ;  [soms  decay. 
The  roses  must  fade,  and  the  blos- 

Likc  winter,  old  age  will  be  found  ; 
All   stripp'd  of  our  blossoms  and 
fruit, 
We  still  may  remain  in  the  ground, 

Though  nothing  be  left  but  the  root; 
And  wither'd  and  bare  we  must  ev- 
er remain, 
For  spring  will  not  cover  our  branch- 
es again. 

Then  let  us,  since  time's  on  the  wing, 

And  death  and  eternity  near, 
Endeavour,  while  yet  in  our  spring, 

To  prepare  for  the  end  of  the  year  ; 
That  we  may  not  look  back  with  re- 
morse and  dismay, 
To  think  how  this  season  was  wasted 
away. 

And  then  when  the  summer  is  gone, 
Our  youth  and  maturity  past, 

Old  age  will  come  pleasantly  on, 
And  bring  us  to  glory  at  last ; 

Nor  shall  we  reflect,  with  a  sigh  or  a 
tear 

On  any  gay  season  of  happiness  here. 

In  heaven  no  winter  they  know, 

To  wither  thdif  pleasures  away 
The  plants  that  in  Paradise  grow 


•  Siall  blossom,  but  never  decay  ; 
Tfiien  fgr  these  fading  pleasures  no 

longer  we'll  care, 
But  hope  we  shall  spend  an  eternity 
there. 

49 

Love  to  Jesus. 

When  Jesus  Christ  was  here  below, 
And  spread  his  works  of  love  a- 

If  I  had  liv'd  so  long  ago,  [broad, 
I  think  I  should  have  lov'd  the 
Lord. 

Jesus,  who  was  so  very  kind, 

Who  came  to  pardoii  sinful  men, 
Who  heal'd  the  sick,  and  cur'd  the 
blind— 
O  !  must  I  not  have  lov'd  him  then  ? 

But  where  is  Jesu3  ? — is  he  dead  ? 

O  no  !  he  lives  in  heaven  above  ; 
"  And  blest  are  they,"  the  Saviour 
said, 
u  Who,  though  they  have  not  seen 
me,  love." 

He  sees  us  from  his  throne  on  high, 
As  well  as  when  on  earth  he  dwelt ; 

And  when  to  him  poor  children  cry, 
He  feels  such  love  as  then  he  felt. 

And  if  the  Lord  will  grant  me  grace, 
Much  I  will  love  him,  and  adore  ; 

But  when  in  heaven  I  see  his  face, 
'Twill  be  my  joy  to  love  him  more. 


50 

God  every  where. 

God  made  the  world — in  every  land 

His  love  and  power  abound  ; 
All  are  protected  by  his  hand, 


The  Indian  hut,  and  English  cot, 
Alike  his  care  must  own, 


S'A 


\i 


Hymns  fas  Infant  JM9HH 


[78 


Though  savage  nations  know  bii^ot, 
But  worship  wood  and  stoae. 

He  sees  and  governs  distant  lands, 
And  constant  bounty  pours, 

From  wild  Arabia's  burning  sands 
To  Lapland's  frozen  shores. 

In  forest^hades,  and  silent  plains, 
Where  feet  have  never  trod, 

There  in  majestic  power  he  reigns, 
An  ever  present  God. 

All  the  inhabitants  ofearlh 
"Who  dwell  beneath  the  sun, 

Of  different  nations,  name,  and  birth, 
He  knows  them  every  one. 

Alike  the  rich  and  poor  are  known, 
The  polish'd  and  the  wild  ; 

He  sees  the  king  upon  the  throne, 
And  every  little  child. 

While  he  regards  the  wise  and  fair, 
The  noble  and  the  brave, 

He  listens  to  the  beggar's  prayer, 
And  the  poor  negro  slave. 

He  knows  the  worthy  from  the  vile, 
And  sends  his  mercy  down  ; 

None  are  too  mean  to  share  his  smile 
Or  to  provoke  his  frown. 

Great  God  !  and  since  thy  piercing 
My  inmost  heart  can  see,         [eye 

Teach  me  from  every  sin  to  fly, 
And  turn  that  heart  to  thee. 

51 

■;  Though  he  was  rich,  pel  for  our 
sakes  he  became  poor.''1 

Jesus  was  once  despis'd  and  low, 
A  stranger,  and  distress'd  ; 

"Without  a  home  to  which  to  go, 
A  pillow  where  to  rest ; 

Now,  on  a  high  majestic  seat 
He  reigns  above  the  sky  ; 

And  angels  worship  at  his  f&et ; 
Or  at  his  bidding  fly. 


Once  he  was  bound  with  prickly 
And  scoff'd  at  in  his  pain  ;  [thorns, 

Now  a  bright  crown  his  head  adorns, 
And  he  is  king  again. 

But  what  a  condescending  king  : 
Who,  though  he  reigns  so  high, 

Is  pleas'd  when  little  children  sing, 
And  listens  to  their  cry  ; 

lie  sees  them  from  his  heavenly 
He  watches  ail  their  ways,  [throne, 

And  stoops  to  notice  for  his  own 
The  youngest  child  that  prays. 


For  a  child  that  is  sorry  for  a  fault. 
Lord,  I  have  dar'd  to  disobey 
My  friends  on  earth,  and  thee  in 
heaven  ; 

0  help  me  now  to  come  and  pray, 
For  Jesus'  sake,  to  be  forgiven. 

1  cannot  say  I  did  not  know, 

For  I've  been  taught  thy  holy  will ; 
And  while  my  conscience  told  me  so, 
And  bade  me  stop,  I  did  it  still. 

But  thou  wast  there  to  see  my  crime, 
And  write  it  in  thy  judgment-book. 

O  make  me  fear  another  time, 

A  sinful  thought,  or  word,  or  look. 

Forgive  me,  Lord  ;  forgive,  I  pray, 
This   naughty  thing   that  I   have 
done, 

And  take  my  sinful  heart  away, 
And  make  me  holy,  like  thy  Son. 

53 

Instruction  from  the  heavens. 
Stars,  that  on  your  wond'rous  way 

Travel  through  the  evening  sky, 
Is  there  nothing  you  can  say 

To  such  a  little  child  as  I  ? 
Tell  me,  for  I  long  to  know, 
Who  has  made  you  sparkle  so? 


79] 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


19 


Ye3,  methinks  I  hear  you  say, 
"  Child  of  mortal  race,  attend, 

"While  we  run  our  wond'rous  way  ; 
Listen  ;  we  would  be  your  friend  ; 

Teaching  you  that  Name  Divine, 

By  whose  mighty  word  we  shine. 

"  Child,  as  truly  as  we  roll 

Through  the  dark  and  distant  sky, 
You  have  an  immortal  soul, 

Born  to  live  when  we  shall  die  ; 
Suns  and  planets  pass  away  ; 
Spirits  never  can  decay. 

*'  When   some    thousand    years,    at 
most, 

All  their  little  time  have  spent, 
One  by  one  our  sparkling  host 

Shall  forsake  the  firmament ; 
"We  shall  from  our  glory  fall ; 
You  must.live  beyond  us  all. 

"  Ye9, — and  God,  who  bade  us  roll, 
God,  who  hung  us  in  the  sky 

Stoops  to  watch  an  infant's  soul 
With  a  condescending  eye  ; 

And  esteems  it  dearer  far, 

More  in  value,  than  a  star  ! 

"  O  then  while  your  breath  is  given, 
Pour  it  out  in  fervent  prayer, 

And  beseech  the  God  of  heaven 
To  receive  your  spirit  there  ; 

Like  a  living  star  to  blaze 

Ever  to  your  Saviour's  praise.17 

54 

Children  encouraged  to  seek  the  Loid. 

Shall  I  presume  to  venture  near 

A  God  so  just  and  true  ? 
Or,  sinful  as  I  am,  appear 

Before  his  piercing  view  ? 

How  oft  I  grieve  his  holy  eye, 
And  break  his  righteous  Jaw  : 

And  think  some  thought  of  vanity 
With  every  breath  I  draw  ! 

Yet,  Lord,  a  sinful  child  may  turn 


To  wisdom's  pleasant  ways  ; 
For  Jesus1  sake  thou  wilt  not  spurn 

My  feeble  prayer  and  praise. 
He  died,  that  sinners,  such  as  I, 

May  have  their  sins  forgiven; 
He  died,  that  sinners,  when  they  die, 

May  live  with  him  in  heaven. 

It  is  for  this  I  come  to  pray, 

And  on  hi3  grace  depend, 
That  even  at  the  judgment  day 

The  Lord  may  be  my  friend. 

55 

Upon  life. 
Lord,   what   if  life? — 'Tis  like   a 
flower, 
That  blossoms  and  is  gone  ; 
We  see  it  flourish  for  an  hour, 

With  all  its  beauty  on  ; 
But  death  comes,  like  a  wintry  day, 
And  quts  the  pretty  flower  away. 

Lord,  what  is  life  ? — 'Tis  like  the 
bow 

That  glistens  in  the  sky  ; 
We  love  to  see  its  colours  glow  ; 

But  while  we  look,  they  die  ; 
Life  fails  as  soon  ;  to-day  tis  here  ; 
To  night  perhaps  "twill  disappear. 

Six  thousand  years  have  pass'd  away 

Since  life  began  at  first, 
And  millions,  once  alive  and  gay, 

Are  dead  and  in  the  dust ; 
For  life  in  all  its  health  and  pride, 
Has  death  still  waiting  at  its  side. 

And  yet,  this  short,  uncertain  space 

So  foolishly  we  prize, 
That  heaven,  that  lasting  dwelling 
place, 

Seems  nothing  in  our  eyes  1 
The' words  of  sorrow  and  of  bliss 
We  disregard,  compar'd  with  this! 

Lord,   what  is  life  ? — If  spent  with 
thee, 


Hymns  for  Infant  MincU^, 


[80 


In  duty,  praise,  and  prayer; 
However  long,  or  short  it  be, 

We  need  but  little  care  ; 
Because  eternity  will  last, 
When  life,  and  even  death,  are  past. 

Upon  death. 
Where  should  I  be,  if  God  should 

say 
I  must  not  live  another  day, 
And  send  to  take  away  my  breath  ? 
— What  is  eternity — and  death? 

My  body  13  of  little  worth  ; 
'Twould  soon  be  mingled  with  the 

earth  ; 
We  all  were  form'd  of  clay  at  first, 
And  shall  return  again  to  dust. 

But  where  my  living  soul   would  go, 
I  do  not,  and  I  cannot  know; 
For  none  were  e?er  sent  back  to  tell 
-The  joys  of  heaven  or  pains  of  hell. 

Yet  heaven  must  be  a  world  of  bliss, 
Where  God  himself  forever  is  ; 
Where  saints  around  his  throne  adore, 
And  never  sin  nor  suffer  more. 

And  hell's  a  state  of  endless  wo, 
Where  unrepenting  sinners  go  ; — 
Though  none  that  seek  the  Saviour's 

grace 
Shall  ever  see  that  dreadful  place. 

O  let  me,  then,  at  once  apply 
To  him  who  did  for  sinners  die  ! 
And  this  shall  be  my  great   reward, 
To  dwell  forever  with  the  Lord. 

57 

Against  selfishness. 

Love  and  kindness  we  may  measure 
By  this  simple  rule  alone  ; 

Do  we  mind  our  neighbour's  pleas- 
ure, 


Just  as  if  it  were  our  own  ? 

Let  U3  try  to  care  for  others, 
Nor  suppose  ourselves  the  best ; 

We  should  all   be  friends  and  broth- 
ers— 
'Twas  the  Saviour's  last  request. 

His  example  we  should  borrow, 
Who  forsook  his  throne  above, 

And  endur'd  such  pain  and  sorrow, 
Out  of  tenderness  and  love. 

When  the  poor  are  unbefriended, 
When  we  will  not  pity  lend, 

Christ  accounts  himself  offended, 
Who  is  every  creature's  friend. 

Let  us  not  be  so  ungrateful, 
7'hus  hi3  goodness  to  reward  ; 

Selfishness  indeed  is  hateful 
In  the  followers  of  the  Lord. 

When  a  selfish  thought  would  "seize 
us, 

And  our  resolution  break, 
Let  us  then  remember  Jesus, 

And  resist  it  for  his  sake. 


58 

*'  In  the  morning  it  Jloitrishelh  and 
groweth  up  ;  in  the  evening  it  is 
cut  down  and  wither eth." 

The  flowers  of  the  field, 

That  quickly  fade  away, 
May  well  to  us  instruction  yield, 

Who  die  as  soon  as  they. 

That  pretty  rosebud  see, 

Decaying  on  the  walk  ; 
A  storm  came  sweeping  o'er  the  tree, 

And  broke  its  feeble  stalk. 

Just  like  an  early  rose, 
I've  seen  an  infant  bloom  ; 

But  death,  perhaps,  before  it  blows, 
Will  lay  it  in  the  tomb. 

Then  let  us  think  on  death, 
Though  we  are  young  and  gay ; 


81] 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


21 


For  God,  who  gave  our  life  and 
breath, 
Can  take  them  soon  away. 

To  God,  who  loves  them  all, 
Let  children  humbly  cry  ; 

And  then,  whenever  Death  maycally 
They'll  be  prepaid  to  die. 

59 

Humility. 
In  a  modest  humble  mind 

God  himself  will  take  delight ; 
But  the  proud  and  haughty  find 
•  They  are  hateful  in  his  sight. 

Jesus  Christ  was  meek  and  mild, 
And  no  angry  thoughts  allow'd  ; 

O,  then,  shall  a  little  child 

Dare  to  be  perverse  and  proud  ! 

This,  indeed,  should  never  be  ; 

Lord,  forbid  it,  we  intreat ; 
Grant  they  all  may  learn  of  thee, 

That  humility  is  sweet. 

Make  it  shine  in  every  part ; 

Fill  them  with  this  heavenly  grace; 
For  a  little  infant's  heart 

Surely  is  its  proper  place. 


60 

"  Set  your  affections  on  things  above." 
Why  should   our   poor  enjoyments 

here 
Be  thought  so  pleasant  and  so  dear, 

And  tempt  our  hearts  astray  ? 
Our  brightest  joys  are  fading  fast, 
Chg  longest  life  will  soon  be  past ; 
nd  if  we  go  to  heaven  at  last, 
We  need  not  wish  to  stay. 

r  when  we  come  to  dwell  above, 
.  \ere  all  is  holiness  and  Jove, 
•nd  endless  pleasures  flow, 
.•   threescore  years    and  ,ten  will 
seem 


Just  like  a  short  and  busy  dream  ; 
And  O,  how  poor  we  then  shall  deem 
Our  best  pursuits  below! 

Perhaps  the  happy  saints  in  bliss 
Look  down  from  their  bright  world 
to  this, 

Where  once  they  used  to  dwell ; 
And  wonder  why  we  trifle  so, 
And  love  these  vanities  below, 
And  live  as  if  we  did  not  know 

There  was  a  heaven  and  hell. 

61 

For  the  last  day  ofthe&ear. 
This  year  is  just  going  away, 

The  moments  are  finishing  fast ; 
My  heart,  have  you  nothing  to  say, 
Concerning  the  time  that  i9  past  ? 
Now,  while  in  my  chamber  alone, 
Where   God   willl    be  present  to 
hear, 
I'll  try  to  remember  and  own 

The   faults   I've   committed   this 
year. 

0  Lord,  I'm  asham'd  to  confess, 
How  often  I've  broken  thy  day; 

Perhaps  I  have  thought  of  my  dres3, 
Or  wasted  the  moments  in  play  ; 

And  when  the  good  minister  tried 
To  make  little  children  attend, 

1  was  thinking  of  something  beside, 

Or  wishing  the  sermon  would  end  ! 

How  often  I  rose  from  my  bed, 

And  did  not  remember  my  prayer  ; 
Or  if  a  few  words  I  have  said, 

My  thoughts  have  been  going  else- 
where ; 
111  temper,  and  passion,  and  pride, 

Have  griev'd  my  dear  parents  and 
thee ; 
And  seldom  l*ve  heartily  tried 

Obedient  and  gentle  to  be  ! 

But,  Lord,  thou  already  hast  known 
Much  more  of  my  folly  than  I  ; 


Ji 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


[82 


iere  is  not  sf 'fault  I  can  own, 

Too  little  ibr  God  to  descry  ; 
Yet  hear  me,  and  help  me  to  feel 

How  wicked  and  weak  I  must  be ; 
And  let  me  not  try  to  conceal 

The  largest,  or  smallest  from  thee. 

This  year  is  just  going  away, 

The  moments  are  finishing  fast ; 
Look  down  in  thy  mercy,  I  pray, 

And  pardon  the  time  that  is  pasi  ; 
And  as  soon  as  another  begins, 

So  help  me  to  walk  in  thy  fear, 
That  I  may  not  with  foilies  and  sins 

Disfigure  and  waste  a  new  year. 


63 


62 


The  lily  of  the  valley. 

Come,  my  love,  and  do  not  spurn 
From  a  little  flower  to  learn— 
See  the  lily  on  the  bed, 
Hanging  down  its  modest  head  ; 
"While  it  scarcely  can  be  seen, 
Folding  in  its  leaf  of  green. 

Yet  we  love  the  lily  well, 
For  its  sweet  and  pleasant  smell ; 
And  Would  rather  call  it  ours, 
Than  a  many  gayer  flowers  ; 
Pretty  lilies  seem  to  be 
Emblems  of  humility. 

Come,  my  love,  and  do  not  spurn 
From  a  little  flower  to  learn  ; 
Let  your  temper  be  as  sweet 
As  the  lily  at  your  feet ; 
Be  as  gentle,  be  as  mild  : 
Be  a  modest,  simple  child. 

'Tis  not  beauty  that  we  prize — 
Like  a  summer  flower  it  dies  ; 
But  humility  will  last, 
Fair  and  sweet,  when  beauty's  past ; 
And  the  Saviour  from  above 
Views  a  humble  child  with  love. 


w  Then  the  Lord  called  Samuel,  and 

Samuel  said.  Speak,  for  thy  servant 

hcareth.'*'1 
When  little  Samuel  woke, 

And  heard  his  MakeiSs  voice, 
At  every  word  he  spoke, 

How  much  did  he  rejoice. 

0  blessed,  happy  child,  to  find 

The  God  of  heaven  so  near  and  kind  ! 

If  God  would  speak  to  me, 
And  say  he  was  my  friend  ; 

How  happy  I  should  be  ! 
O  how  would  I  attend  ! 

The  smallest  sin  I  then  should  fear, 

If  God  Almighty  were  so  near. 

And  does  he  never  speak  ? 

O  yes  ;  for  in  hi3  word 
He  bids  me  come  and  seek 

The  God  that  Samuel  heard ; 
In  almost  ey'vy  page  I  see,  , 
The  God  of  Samuel  calls  to  me. 

And  I  beneath  his  care 
May  safely  rest  my  head  ; 

1  know  that  God  is  there, 

To  guard  my  humble  bed  ; 
And  every  sin  I  well  may  fear, 
Since  God  Almighty  is  so  near. 

Like  Samuel,  let  me  say, 

Whene'er  I  read  his  word, 
"Speak,  Lord;  I  would  obey 
"  The  voice  that  I  have  heard  ; 
"  And  when  1  in  thy  house  appear, 
"  Speak,    for  thy   servant   waits  t, 
hear.!' 


64 

On  repeating  the  catechism. 
As  Mary  sat  at  Jesus'  feei^ 

To  learn  her  Maker's  will, 
We  in  the  Saviour's  presence  meet, 

And  hear  his  doctrine  still. 


83] 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


23 


Still  he  beholds  the  wandering  look, 
Each  foolish  thought  discerns ; 

And  knows  who  idles  at  his  book, 
And  who  in  earnest  teams. 

O  for  that  meek,  attentive  mind, 
Which  happy  Mary  show'd  ! 

And  that  instruction  may  we  find, 
That  was  on  her  bestow'd. 

Here  we  are  taught  the  sacred  word 
The  Saviour  first  conveyed  ; 

.And  here  the  doctrines  we  have  heard 
Are  plain  and  easy  made. 

'Tis  here  we  learn  the  glorious  name 
Of  God,  who  reigns  above  ; 

And  while  we  read  of  sinner's  shame 
Are  taught  the  Saviour's  love. 

Lord  !    while  we  thank  thee  for  the 
grace 

That  sends  this  happy  news, 
We  still  would  sit  in  Mary's  place, 

Her  better  part  to  choose. 


65 

Brotherly  love. 

The  God  of  heaven  is  pleas'd  to  see 
A  little  family  agree  ;  .  [bring, 

And  will   not  slight  the  praise  they 
When  loving  children  join  to  sing. 

■fl>r  love  and  kindness  please  him 
■  more 

|    yhan  if  we  give  him  all  our  store  ; 
I    Ind  children  here  who  dwell  in  love, 
I    Are  like  his  happy  ones  above. 

yhhe  gentle  child,  that  tires  to  please  ; 
That  hates  to  quarrel,  fret,  and  teaze; 
And  would  not  say  an  angry  word ; 
That  child  is  pleasing  to  the  Lord. 

Great  God  !  forgive  whenever  we 
Forget  thy  will,  and  disagree  ; 
y  And  grant  that  each  of  us  may  find 
\  The  sweet  delight  of  being  kind. 


66 

The  condescension  of  God. 
GOD — what  a  great  and  awful  word! 

O  who  can  speak  his  worth  ! 
By  saints  in  heaven  he  is  ador'd, 

And  fear'd  by  men  on  earth  ! 
And  yet  a  little  child  may  bend, 
And  say,  my  father,  and  my  friend. 

The  glorious  sun  that  blazes  high, 
The  moon,  more  pale  and  dim  ; 

And  all  the  stars  that  fill  the  sky, 
Are  made  and  rul'd  by  him  ; 

And  yet  a  child  may  ask  his  care, 

And  call  upon  his  name  in  prayer ! 

And  this  large  world  of  ours  below, 
The  waters  and  the  land,       [grow 

With  all  the  trees  and    flowers   that 
Were  fashion'd  by  his  ha^d  ; 

Yes,  and  he  forms  our  infant  race, — ■ 

And  even  I  may  seek  his  grace  ! 

Ten  thousand  angels  sing  his  praise 
On  high,  to  harps  of  gold  ; 

But  holy  angels  dare  not  gaze, 
His  brightness  to  behold  ; 

Yet  a  poor  lowly  infant  may 

Lift  up  his  voice  to  God,  and  praj'. 

The  saints  in  heaven  before  him  fall, 
And  round  his  throne  appear  ; 

Adam,  and  Abraham,  and  all 
Who  lov,d  and  serv'd  him  here  ; 

And  I,  a  child  on  earth  may  raise 

My  feeble  voice  in  humble  praise. 

And  all  his  faithful  servants  now,' 
The  wise,  and  good,  and  just, 

Before  his  sacred  footstool  bow, 
And  own  they  are  but  dust ; 

But  what  can  1  presume  to  say  ? 

Yet  he  will  listen  when  I  pray. 

O  yes  ;  when  little  children  cry, 
He  hearkens  to  their  prayer  ; 

His  throne  of  grace  is  always  nigh, 
And  I  will  venture  there. 

I'll  go,  depending  on  his  word,  [Lord. 

And  seek  his  grace, through  Christ  the 


m 


24 


Hymns  for  Infant  Minds. 


SI 
■ 


67 


The  child  of  affluence. 
How  many  poor  indigent  children  I 

see, 
Who  want  all  the  comforts  bestow'd 

upon  me  ! 
But  though  I'm  preserv'd  from  such 

want  and  distress, 
I'm  quite  as  unworthy  of  all  I  possess. 

While  I  am  partaking  a  plentiful 
meal,  [feel ! 

How  many  the  cravings  of  appetite 

Poor  children,  as  young  and  as  help- 
less as  T, 

Who  yet  have  no  money  their  wants 
to  supply ! 

If  I  were  so  destitute,  friendless,  and 
poo* 

How  could  I  such  hardship  and  suf- 
fering endure  \  [adore 

Then  let  me  be  thankful  and  humbly 

My  God,  who  has  graciously  given 
me  more. 

And  since  t  with  so  many  comforts 
am  blest,  [distrest ; 

May  it  be  my  delight  to  relieve  the 

For  God  has  declar'd,  and  his  prom- 
ise is  sure,  [the  poor. 

That,  blessed  are  they  who  consider 

68 

The  child  of  poverty. 
Lord,  I  am  poor,  yet  hear  my  call  ; 

Afford  me  daily  bread  ; 
Give  me  at  least  the  crumbs  that  fall 

From  tables  richly  spread. 

Thou  canst  for  all  my  wants  provide, 

And  bless  my  homely  crust ; 
The  ravens  cry,  and  are  supply'd, 

And  ought  not  1  to  trust  ? 
Behold  the  lilies,  how  they  grow, 

Though  they  can  nothing  do  ?  [so, 
And  will  not  God,  who  clothes  them 

Afford  me  raiment  too  ? 


[84 

But  seeing,  Lord,  thou  dost  withhold 

The  riches  some  possess, 
Grant  me  what  better  is  than  gold — 

Thy  grace  and  righteousness. 

O  may  I  heavenly  treasures  find, 
And  choose  the  better  part ; 

Give  me  an  humble,  pious  mind, 
A  meek  and  lowly  heart. 

Forgive  my  sins,  sny  follies  cure, 
And  grant  the  grace  I  need  ; 

And   then,  though  1  am   mean  and 
poor, 
I  shall  be  rich  indeed. 

69 

Praise  to  God. 

Almighty  God,  who  dwellest  high, 
Where  mortals  cannot  gaze, 

If  thou  wilt  listen,  I  ivill  try 
To  sing  a  hymn  of  praise. 

Angels  adore  thee,  and  rejoice — 
Such  praise  to  thee  belongs ; 

But  wilt  thou  hear  my  feeble  voice, 
Amid  their  lofty  songs? 

My  thoughts  are  vain,  my  heart  is 
hard, 

And  poor  the  thanks  I  pay  ; 
O  how  unworthy  thy  regard, 

Is  all  that  I  can  say! 

My  feeble  powers  can  never  rise 
To  praise  thee  as  I  ought ;    [wis 

For  thou  art  great,  and  good,  am 
Beyond  my  highest  thought. 

The  happy  souls,  who  dwell  on  high 

Can  tell  thy  glories  best ; 
And  may  I  enter,  when  I  die, 

The  mansions  of  the  blest ! 

There  we  shall  better  praises  bring, 
And  raise  our  voices  higher; 

Angels  will  teach  us  how  to  sing, 
And  we  shall  never  tire.  / 


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